Chelsea v Sheffield Wednesday: Match Preview, Predicted XI, Team News | FA Cup 2018-19
Chelsea play host to second-tier outfit Sheffield Wednesday on 27 January in the fourth round of the famous FA Cup. While the Blues will be aiming to stitch together a run of victories, the struggling Owls would take anything from this game, prior to the appointment of new gaffer Steve Bruce.
This will be the 124th meeting between the sides and 10th in this competition, with Chelsea having knocked Sheffield Wednesday out on eight of those occasions.
Given the arrival of Gonzalo Higuain and the depth in their squad, Maurizio Sarri and co. will be handed a major boost heading into this fixture. The fact that they have progressed to the next round of the FA Cup 47 out of 49 times while facing a team from a lower division is another massive plus.
Although Olivier Giroud is not expected to start this game due to Higuain's much-awaited debut, the Frenchman has had a hand in seven goals in his last four FA Cup appearances. Should Chelsea require his services from the bench, Giroud can be widely tipped to grab the opportunity.
But before the tactical talk, let's take a look at the team news and predicted XI.
Team news
Chelsea:
Chelsea assistant boss Gianfranco Zola revealed that new signing Gonzalo Higuain is set to start his first game for the Blues, after being officially unveiled at Stamford Bridge after the Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Spurs.
A host of first team stars will be provided with much-needed rest, but now that Cesc Fabregas has departed, there is a big question mark over the central midfield position. We can expect Ethan Ampadu to work his game from deep midfield.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back in training after having seen off a back injury, but is expected to start on the bench. Callum Hudson-Odoi, who has apparently delivered a transfer request, is expected to start, regardless of his present situation.
Sheffield Wednesday:
Chelsea loanee Michael Hector is unavailable against his parent club, while Joshua Onomah is sidelined for now.
Probable line-ups
Chelsea (4-3-3): Caballero; Zappacosta, Rudiger, Christensen, Alonso; Kante, Ampadu, Kovacic; Willian, Higuain, Hudson-Odoi
Sheffield Wednesday (4-2-3-1): Westwood; Palmer, Lees, Thorniley, Fox; Hutchinson, Reach; Matias, Bannan, Boyd; Fletcher